Report: S Korean investigators blocked from executing Yoon’s warrant

Investigators trying to deliver a warrant on Friday to detain impeached South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol were denied entrance into the presidential residence by the presidential security service, the Yonhap news agency reported.

The corruption investigation office responsible for executing the warrant told the press that it had begun to follow through with the warrant, but the head of the presidential security service denied them entry, citing restrictions on secured areas, Yonhap reported.

“Prosecutors and investigators are in a standoff with the Presidential Security Service in front of the residence after moving past the first and second barriers,” Yonhap cited a police official as saying. The official referred to the gates of the compound and an earlier standoff with a military unit stationed on the grounds, according to Yonhap.

The office has until Monday to execute the warrant on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, Yonhap reported. The charges stem from Yoon’s ill-fated attempt to impose martial law on December 3.

Meanwhile, one of Yoon’s lawyers, according to Yonhap, announced plans to legally challenge the “invalid” and “illegal” arrest order. Yoon’s defence team reportedly already attempted to obtain an injunction against the arrest order for abuse of power and sedition, which a court had previously approved, at the Constitutional Court.

Since New Year’s Day, numerous supporters of Yoon have been protesting against his arrest in front of the president’s official residence and have blocked access.

Investigators intend to question Yoon regarding the imposition of martial law a month ago, which they say plunged the country into a state crisis.

So far, he has ignored three summonses from prosecutors. Yoon’s defenders called the order “illegal,” according to Yonhap.

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